Montreal's Blueprint Cru narrowly misses top spot to Poreotix on America's Best Dance Crew

In a season of America's Best Dance Crew filled with countless ups and downs, Montreal's Blueprint Cru was narrowly beaten in tonight's $100,000 finale.

Taking top prize was was the curious popping and locking team Poreotix, who rode a wave of popularity that ended abruptly last week when Blueprint took the highest amount of votes and with it, the first place in tonight's finale.

Both crews opened the show performing an entertaining step routine together that incorporated not only both of their team colors but an entire marching band to complete the effect.

As reported by by Blackroots radio, "Up first were the dancers from the West Coast, dancing to Ke$ha's "Blah, Blah, Blah." Following them were the East Coast contenders, who incorporated some impressive jump-roping and tumbling skills into their routine. Not to be outdone, the dancers from the South entertained to T-Pain's "Take Your Shirt Off" and, mid-performance, ripped off their shirts in unison, generating cheers and foot stomping from the crowd."

After a duo of video montages featuring both groups, Blueprint was open and honest about their desired intent on competing in the show. "We went in to the competition wanting to win America over."

Surely had MTV and ABDC allowed Canadian participation in their voting system, as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance allow, the outcome of this competition may have been drastically different.

Blueprint, from the onset of this season were dogged with an "away team" disadvantage that followed them through the entire competition.  If not for the judges keen eye, and understanding of the situation Blueprint may not have made it into the final - a place that most agree they rightfully deserved.

There is no doubt that the future has not ended for Blueprint because of tonight's loss, and in fact has opened infinitely more doors than they even realize.  Although they were given a tough ride on American soil, the hard landing of tonight's decision will be cushioned by a wave of support and outpouring by Canadian fans and supporters back here at home.

Blueprint Cru has represented Canada as well and as proudly as any Canadian team could have; conducting themselves with humility, honor  and grace at every turn.  They have shown our neighbors to the south that Canadians have a fighting spirit and creative pool that matches, if not shadows that of their own.

Blueprint should not take tonight's loss as anything less than an affirmation that although the American public may have voted for "it's own", it was the industry experts, the pop stars, the R&B gurus, and the rap divas of the world that recognized their talent for what it was and pushed it forward.

Blueprint wanted to put dance in Canada on the map, they wanted to make the government take notice of the world class talent we have that are literally starving for support, and tonight they made that dream come true.

The future of all dance in Canada should stand up and applaud Blueprint Cru for what they achieved tonight for their art form.  Although they did not walk away with the title of "America's Favorite Dance Crew", they have without a shadow of a doubt walked away with the title of "Canada's Favorite Dance Crew", and that in itself is something they should be proud about.

Congratulations on an amazing season Blueprint Cru, you have made Montreal and everyone across Canada proud.

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Contact Jeromie via email at jeromie.williams@gmail.com